T&S Buttons, Lanka, a joint venture of Brandot International, T&S Hong Kong and Brandix Lanka, has a network of operations that extends across Asia with strategic locations in Sri Lanka, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai in India and Dhaka and Chittagong in Bangladesh. The company specializes in manufacturing all types of polyester buttons including imitation horn, wood, shell and pearl. The product range offered also includes snap buttons, jean buttons, hook and bar under the Metal Buttons category, and fabric covered buttons, natural shell and Corrozo buttons which are sourced through strategic locations in China and Hong-Kong, to meet customer requirements.With global clients that include Marks & Spencer, Next, Gap, Land’s End and Abercrombie and Fitch, Ann Taylor, Tesco, Levis, Timberland, Next and Adidas to name a few, T&S Buttons meets stringent global standards and client protocols along with a strong ethical approach that involves the company’s way beyond button manufacturing.
[bleft]“With 60 per cent growth this year, shareholders are strongly considering setting up a T&S Buttons manufacturing unit in India exploiting the expertise of Brandix, having set-up a very successful SEZ in Vizag.” [/bleft]
With the vision of “Becoming the preferred button manufacturer in South Asia to all leading brands and retailers,” T&S Buttons has built a roadmap for the future that centres on enhancing the culture, engaging with both the employees and the society.
In an exclusive interaction with Team Apparel Online, Kanchana Ranadeera, CEO, T&S Buttons, Lanka shares the vision for India operations.
AO: What is the USP of T&S Buttons that differentiates it from the competitors?
KR: As we forge ahead in this new market environment, it is vital we build on our history, proficiency and resourcefulness to continue to maximize our opportunities from a position of strength. We believe in keeping things simple and doing the basics right, such as, effective communication, giving attention to the detail (be it a sample or a bulk order), timely feedback and most importantly speedy response. We all understand and believe in the importance of speed in today’s business environment, so my team will always thrive to provide our most valued customers speedy solutions for all their buttons needs.
AO: How is the Indian market shaping up for T&S Buttons?
KR: The Indian market for both retail and export are equally big. Business has been good in the last couple of years. However, it would not be wrong to say that we are still exploring the vast opportunities available in this colossal country.
AO: What is the experience of working with Indian Industry?
KR: The experience of working with the Indian manufacturers has been amazing and we are learning by the day about the industry and the key players/exporters. We have made a lot of positive synergies with key exporters both in the south as well as north, where we as a manufacturer, and the exporters as our customers, have mutually benefited through these collaborations.
AO: Where is the thrust area for T&S – domestic manufacturers or exporters, and why?
KR: Our concentration at the moment is with the export market, primarily due to the better economies of scale available with the exporters.The domestic manufacturers are still primarily purchasing from the local market; however, it won’t be long before we divert our full attention to the domestic market as well, more so as the domestic market is now becoming very quality-conscious and looking for tie-ups for total solutions.
AO: Sampling is very important in the product development process…How geared is T&S to give fresh samples in short duration…?
KR: Giving customized solutions and providing samples in quickest possible time is our forte.Though we are an offshore manufacturer, we have always turned around samples much faster than the local suppliers. It is about speed. My team and I are totally geared up to handle any service requirement. That would mean even turning around samples in less than 12 hours in the plant, if that is the need.
AO: What is the growth projections for India?
KR: Our business in India has been growing steadily, year on year. This year, we are looking at a 50-60 per cent growth over last year sales. Also, the shareholders are strongly considering, setting up a T&S Buttons manufacturing unit in India exploiting the expertise of Brandix, having set-up a very successful SEZ in Vizag.
